The previous two episodes really were an intermezzo: they were completely standalone compared to the rest of the linear storyline. In theory, they could have been shown at any point in the series. The place the creators ended up choosing is interesting. The effect is that this episode immediately started with the aftermath of what happened three, four and five weeks ago, only to follow with one heck of a climax as well.

I get the feeling that there would have no point in the second season where the past arc would really have fitted in: there are four different storylines going on at the same time and the build-up and aftermaths of all are so intertwined that it’s impossible to find one clear point where everything has quieted down. the first season had these moments, but it seems the creators were really saving that arc for the second half of the show. This is all a good thing, by the way. It’s a sign that the storytelling is great if there is always something going on like that.

The interesting thing is that this episode contained even more background, but this time it was much more weaved into the narrative. These really were the remaining bits of background that were still missing, like who the black-haired woman was, and why Irie devoted herself to the Grail War (her loyalty towards Kiritusgu did not turn out to be the only reason; that surprised me”).

And then there was Rider. First of all I really liked that this episode showed some of the things that went on in his mind during his monologues in the first season of Fate/Zero, but at the end of this episode he really showed a different side of his. The first person he actually killed, the black haired woman. After so much heroic talk, he finally shows that like Kiritsugu, he isn’t going to take it easy on his opponents. There was no chivalry in it whatsoever, which is a great point against Saber.Rating: **+ (Excellent+)

17 Responses

If I remember correctly, Rider never claim to be chivalrous, though he always acted honorably. However, the series has a history of ending on false pretenses and surprises, so thing might not be what they appear to be.

In a way, these last 3 episodes are used to really build an flesh out the supposed “protagonist” that stayed in the background for the majority of the series, and without the prior 2 episodes, Maiya’s death scene and Kiritsugu’s reaction to it would not be as powerful. Even so, I think the novel had a more dramatic moment described

Some interesting points about this episode:
1) This was the first time Kiritsugu actually spoke to Saber. To use a command spell.
2) In UTW’s release at least, reference was made to the “third true magic”. Seriously, read up on this. I highly doubt such integral ideas to the Fate universe will be explained in the remainder of the show.
3) Saber’s instant teleportation is not something easily done. The mana (I think) was actually provided by the command spell.

All that aside, explaining “big bro” Rider’s thinking was really well done. Really enjoyed this episode.

He talked to her… He meant all those words for her while talking to Irisviel, last time, and a few times before if I’m not mistake… But I know it would be hard to make the last one without actually talking to her. Making him not talk to her is too much of a hurdle that was placed in Fate/Stay Night. Despite that, Gen did an awesome job.

I haven’t read the last two volumes, but I’ve read the first two in Japanese. Urobuchi Gen makes it clear that regardless who Kiritsugu is addressing, he’s making a clear effort to not actually speak TOWARD Saber. He doesn’t want to acknowledge her because they’re way too different as people.

Just a minor spoiler for Fate/Stay Night, but Saber does mention then that Kiritsugu only spoke directly to her in order to use his command spells–nothing else.

“The first person he actually killed, the black haired woman. After so much heroic talk, he finally shows that like Kiritsugu, he isn’t going to take it easy on his opponents. There was no chivalry in it whatsoever, which is a great point against Saber.”

So you think a mysterious character who would even invite Assassin to a wine party giving them a chance would needlessly kill without saying a word? When the said character explicitly tells Waver (and the audience) he can’t do anything until the night. When the audience must be also aware that the Teams don’t hand out their address so easily.

Kotomine needed a group of Church spies in episode 17 to find out the new location since they vacated the castle. That was the reason why he stayed.

Kiritsugu needed Tokiomi’s intel to know where Rider and Waver were hiding.

Keep in mind Rider’s words – he can’t do anything until it is night. However, it is still clearly day when Rider appears at Irisviel’s place and there is no indication that Rider and Waver learned of their location beforehand.

I’m not spoiling anything, but I think you should keep these details in mind.

I wouldn’t consider him to be spoiling anything as i thought these hints were already quite conspicuous and given the way that the kidnapping scene was animated without Rider actually showing his face nor hearing him speak was to cast doubt on his true identity…

* I’ve not read the light novels therefore these are merely my assumptions

I really liked the scene between rider and Waver this episode, made me like that combination a whole lot more than I already did. Seeing that they are destined fall (or are they?), I really hope it will be epic.

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Ebod

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 08:22 PM)

V for Vendetta for me has always been a more “literary” work than Watchmen, but Watchmen is spectacular because it’s a story that can only be told in full scope in the comic format. While I feel like many major themes and events from V for Vendetta could easily be adapted into, say, novel format, the same could not be said of Watchmen.
Also, the racist whitewashing Hollywood does of Asian characters really has to stop.

Bam

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:30 AM)

Watchmen was deemed ‘unadaptable’ for about thirty years, so just getting what Snyder got out of the material is a huge success; it is said that what he did was to write a book version of Ingmar’s Holy Mountain. Watchmen is the only graphic novel to ever win a Hugo award and is easily the most intricate and multilayered Alan Moore comic, so it’s no surprise that it continues to top ‘best comics of all time’ charts to this day.

Bam

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:20 AM)

I beg to differ. Doctor Manhatten is the most intriguing character of Watchmen and the comic is a giant in ,not only in the comic world, but the history of literature itself. It is a deconstruction of superheros and Dr. M shows how afraid the world would really be when faced with a ‘superman’ and how a creature in such a higher realm of time and perception would show apathy toward humans and their foolish struggles.

Bam

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:15 AM)

GitS just won’t work. Maybe in a world before the Matrix, but not now with so many elements of it borrowed liberally by so many franchises in various mediums. Scarlet Johansson is decent in roles that fit her. She was enjoyable in Lost In Translation, but race aside she has nothing in common with Kusanagi. This is a travesty and the franchise is dear to me so it especially burns my ass.

Emma

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:10 AM)

While I am no fan of man of steel, Nolan and Snyder, just about anyone would have a hard time taking a difficult character like superman and making him work on screen.

Emma

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:08 AM)

Apart from Veidt and Rorshach I could never get into the characters all that much in watchmen. I also found the film overly long and mediocre acted for the larger part. But to each there own. For Alan moores works I always preferred his Miracleman, swamp thing, V for Vendetta stories.

Bam

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:06 AM)

Nolan can produce the action plus personal and dark story that Alita would need, and he also brings talent such as composer Hans Zimmer and Cinematographer Sally Pfister to the table. Him and Snyder have too much combined integrity to make a mockery out of Alita like Spielberg did with the GitS license.

Bam

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 06:03 AM)

Well Snyder has respect for his source materials and that is key in anime-to-film adaptations. Hell I’m a big Watchmen fan and I thought his version was (almost painfully) close to the comic. You’re not going to get that anywhere else in Hollywood. Also the combination of Nolan/Snyder is quite different than them individually.

Emma

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 05:34 AM)

And directed it as a co-production with America, using a Japanese cast.
Yeah…this is impossible…

Emma

(Tuesday, Mar 3. 2015 05:32 AM)

The only way a live action ghost in the shell film would work is if Mamoru oshii directed it.

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